Preconceived notions, propaganda, police and a whole lot of other - pardon our French- crap, gets in the way of travellers heading to Kashmir.

Most of the things we hold on to about Kashmir exist solely as myths now. What Kashmir is in reality is a stunning destination filled with kind hearted people. Dilshad Master, MHE's head of Operations and Business Development, has been travelling to Kashmir with her family for the past 10 years now. Here she tells you why Kashmir should be on everyone's travel list.

Why is Kashmir your favourite destination in the whole world?I think it's a past life connection. The first time I ever landed in Kashmir I felt I had come home! I remember stepping out of the airport and driving to Tanmarg, all the while thinking "Oh my goodness, there's not a book, no article, no blog that does this place justice!"

I felt like Alice in wonderland! Kashmir is special. The people are amazingly warm and as long as you don't discuss politics (which can get sticky sometimes), they will open up their heart and homes to you!

"The people are amazingly warm". An invitation for a cup of tea is always rounder the corner in Kashmir

What would you say those people who want to visit Kashmir but keep away because of safety concerns?

I think they're missing out on something so precious. There are areas of Kashmiri that are totally safe. We've been going there for over 10 years now. We went there when there was military forces every 50 meters of the way from the airport to Tanmarg. Over the years we've seen that decrease to a massive extent. Earlier, you could see an AK47 pointed your way while on the Shikara ride to your houseboat. No longer. If you're not going to Kashmir because you're afraid that is a totally baseless rationale. We went just this January with our two-year old who had a super time in the snow! People should read a little bit more and hear less of the silly rumors.

Shikara rides in Kashmir have always been special no matter what. Credit: Mayank Garg

An offbeat destination in Kashmir?There are so many! Gulmarg , though it’s not off beat is special, because of the world standard skiing infrastructure there. It's equally gorgeous in the summers making it an all-year destination. Also, people tend to forget that Leh-Ladakh is also part of Jammu and Kashmir.

Your favourite memory of Kashmir?The drive up to Tanmarg with the car windows rolled down even in the depths of winter ... the icy cold winds are like a whiplash but so totally invigorating! The reflection of the houseboats in the still lake waters; the family of ducks floating past; the red leaves of the Chinar trees; swimming at the baths in Nagin lake; the floating vegetable and flower markets – gosh, those colourful flowers pouring out of evry shikara are a sight to behold! The crazy drive from Tanmarg to Gulmarg in the winters when the road is snow bound and the taxi driver refuses to slow down; the ride to the top most part of the Gondola where, at almost 14000 feet, the quiet and stillness is so overpowering; the early morning dash to the windows to see if it snowed the previous night – only to see Gulmarg buried in snow when you draw the curtains. And the food. Gosh I could go on about the Kashmiri wazvaan forever!

Snow covered Gulmarg with its excellent skiing infrastructure should be on every adventurer's list

What sort of traveller in your opinion is best suited to Kashmir?

See that's the thing about this fantastic place - it's made for every kind of traveller. From hyper honeymooners to the adventurers, there's something for everybody.

What can lovers of adventure do in Kashmir?

The drive from Srinagar to Leh is one of the best drives in the world! I've done the Pacific Coast Highway - PCH 1, in the US considered to be one of the best drives in the world. I think whoever wrote that has never done this drive! It's a drive that everyone must do at least once in their life! Trekking - especially the Great Lakes of Kashmir trek is a fantastic trek, but not for beginners. There are several shorter more doable treks for the entire family. Skiing in Gulmarg is now getting popular and I'm happy to see Indians hit the bunny slopes in larger numbers every year.

The Great Lakes of Kashmir are sigh inducing and breath taking at the same time